Storage device and method for scanning a storage medium

ABSTRACT

A storage device and a method for scanning a storage medium. A storage medium for storing data in the form of marks is scanned by an array of probes for mark detecting purposes in a scanning mode. The storage medium has fields with each field to be scanned by an associated one of the probes. At least one of the fields has marks representing operational data for operating the scanning mode. Scanning parameters are computed from the operational data and the scanning mode is adjusted according to the computed parameters.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.10/441,798, filed on May 20, 2003, the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage device comprising a probearray and to a method for scanning a storage medium.

2. Description of Background

New storage concepts have been introduced over the past few years.Exploiting the capability of imaging and investigating the structure ofmaterials down to the atomic scale achieved by scanning tunnelingmicroscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), probes having a tipare being introduced for scanning appropriate storage media, where dataare written as sequences of bits represented by indentations andnon-indentations. According to latest demonstrations, indentations witha diameter of the range of 30-40 nm have been written on appropriatestorage media. Hence, these data storage concepts promise ultra-highstorage areal densities.

First approaches are disclosed in “High-density data storage usingproximal probe techniques” by H. J. Mamin et al., IBM Journal ResearchDevelopment, Vol. 39, No. 6, November 1995. A single tip of an AFMcantilever is placed in contact with a rotating surface of apolycarbonate storage medium. Indentations or non-indentations writtenon the storage medium represent bits. Writing on the storage medium isaccomplished by heat

With the tip being in contact with the storage medium, the heated tipsoftens the polymer surface. As a force is applied to bring the tip incontact with the surface, the tip creates a small indentation. Amechanical reading mechanism is adopted. As the tip rides over thesurface of the storage medium, a topographic indentation causes adeflection of the cantilever. This deflection is detected using astandard optical sensor.

“Mark” as used herein is understood as physical representation of aninformation unit. Referring to the storage device according to Mamin etal., marks are indentations and non-indentations for instance. Marksrepresenting data are usually aligned along a track due to the movementof a probe while writing data. Tracking refers to controlling theposition of the tip, such that it is always positioned over a trackcenterline of the track. Mamin et al. fill in servo or tracking marks inthe data track at specific locations. These tracking marks are placedamong data marks. Data marks and tracking marks are alternating. Thetracking marks are used for feedback as to whether the tip is on oneside of the track centerline or on the other side and by how much itdeviates from the track centerline. The tracking marks cover roughlyfifteen percent of the track length.

“High-Density Data Storage Based on the Atomic Force Microscope”, by H.J. Mamin et al., Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 87, No. 6, June 1999,discloses another single tip based storage device with a rotating diskas storage medium. A single tip of an AFM cantilever is placed incontact with a rotating surface of a polycarbonate storage medium.Indentations or non-indentations in the storage medium represent bits.Writing is accomplished by heating the tip electrically via twoconducting legs, which are connected with the tip. Reading isaccomplished with a piezoresistive sensor, sensing the deflection of thecantilever when scanning an indentation. Tracking is accomplished byproviding a special cantilever structure: The cantilever is providedwith vertical ribs for detecting lateral deflections of the cantilever.These deflections are measured piezoresistively.

“The Millipede—More than one thousand tips for future AFM data storage”by P. Vettiger et al., IBM Journal Research Development, Vol. 44, No. 3,May 2000, shows a data storage device based on a mechanicalx-/y-scanning of a storage medium with an array of probes each having atip. The probes scan associated fields of the storage medium inparallel, so high data rates can be achieved. The storage mediumcomprises a thin polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) layer. The probes scanthe polymer layer in a contact mode. The contact mode is achieved byapplying small forces to the probes so that the tips of the probes cantouch the surface of the storage medium. Spring cantilevers carry thesharp tips on their end section. Indentations or non-indentations in thepolymer layer represent bits. The cantilevers respond to thesetopographic changes in the surface.

Indentations are written on the polymer surface by thermomechanicalrecording, where the local probe is heated with a current or voltagepulse during the contact mode, so that the polymer layer is softenedlocally where the tip touches the polymer layer. The result is a smallindentation in the layer, the indentation having nanoscale diameter.Reading is also accomplished by a thermomechanical concept. The heatercantilever originally used only for writing is given an additionalfunction of a thermal reading sensor by using its temperature dependentresistance. For reading purposes, the resistor is operated at atemperature that is not high enough to soften the polymer as isnecessary for writing. The thermal sensing is based on the fact that thethermal conductance between the probe and the storage substrate changeswhen the probe is moving into an indentation, as the heat transport willbe more efficient. Consequently the heater's temperature and hence itsresistance will decrease. Thus, changes of the continuously heatedresistor are monitored while the cantilever is scanned over acorresponding data field.

Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,835,477 discloses a storage device accordingto Vettiger et al. with a recommendation for rewriting such a storagedevice. The storage device comprises a circuit for distinguishingbetween information which is to be erased from a first section of thestorage medium and information which is not to be erased in thissection. The information not to be erased is copied into another sectionof the storage device. Afterwards, the first section can be erased. U.S.Pat. No. 5,835,477 further suggests special guides for trackingpurposes, arranged at the edges of the storage medium and interactingwith mechanical guiding means of the local probe array. These mechanicalmeans might be replaced by optical means.

With marks so densely packed, accurate scanning becomes a criticalissue. Accordingly, it would be desirable having a storage device and amethod for scanning a storage medium available with high accuracy inscanning and a low consumption of storage area (i.e., a high storagedensity) for achieving highly accurate scanning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a storage device is introducedhaving a storage medium for storing data in the form of marks, andhaving an array of probes designed for scanning the storage medium formark detecting purposes in a scanning mode. The storage medium hasfields with each field being scanned by an associated probe. At leastone of the fields comprises marks representing control data, referred toherein as “operational data,” for operating the scanning mode.

A mark can usually represent one of at least two different logic values,therefore representing at least a binary digit. Marks representing morelogic values than two are also contemplated. Marks according to theinvention are not limited to certain physical properties. Marks can berepresented by topographic properties on or in the storage medium or byelectrical properties or by optical properties, or even by chemicalproperties. Marks can for example be represented by charge trapproperties in a semiconductor-oxide-dielectric structure. Or marks canhave amorphous or crystalline phase properties to be detected. Marks canbe arranged in the form of topographic properties in a polymer layer.The physical way of reading or writing marks is also not limited:thermomechanical reading and writing processes can be provided as wellas any other processes. Thus, the storage medium and informationcarriers are not limited in their physical set up, except that thestorage medium can be scanned by probes, a probe preferably having a tipfor nanoscale scanning, hereinafter also referred to as tip shapedprobe.

The storage medium is divided into fields. According to the invention, afield is defined by a collection of marks, all of them scanned by thesame probe, the probe being responsible for canning its associatedfield. Usually the probe is exclusively responsible for scanning itsassociated field with no other probe being in charge of or assigned tothe field, but exceptions might be allowed for special scanningoperations. Likewise, a single probe can be assigned to several fieldsfor performing scanning operations by way of exception.

Marks represent operational data in a way that in case these marks ormark patterns are scanned and read, operational data can be derived froma response signal by applying evaluation or decoding methods. Thisoperational data gives information on how the scanning mode is to beoperated or adjusted. This may, as preferred embodiments show below,—include the way probes are positioned or aligned over or on the surfaceof the storage medium, or the time when reading or writing pulses are tobe fired, or the determination of the scanning velocity, but it is notto be so restricted. Operational data for operating the scanning modeenables the storage device to operate in a manner that stored data canbe read but generally does not include information on data storagemanagement.

The invention supports generating essential operational data that allowsthe storage device to perform its scanning operations with highaccuracy. A small fraction of the storage medium is necessary forstoring marks representing operational data. But the area overhead ismaintained small by placing the operational data marks in a small numberof fields, where the operational data fields usually have the sameproperties as all of the other data storage fields.

A major advantage is, that the same reading technique is applied tooperational data marks as well as to all other data marks, so no furtherexceptional expenditures are necessary to obtain the operational datainformation. Uniform scanning of operational data marks and storage datamarks is achieved.

Finally, scanning the operational data field can be performed inparallel to scanning more or even all of the fields. Through the use ofprobes that are capable of high throughput mark scanning, operationaldata can be accessed quickly and actions resulting from operational datascanning can be introduced while continuing scanning of other fields.Full parallelism is supported.

A preferred embodiment of the storage device comprises an adjusting unitfor adjusting scanning parameters dependent on the operational data. Theadjusting unit is designed for processing the scanned operational dataand for initializing realizing steps. The adjustment of parameters doesnot only include the adjustment of existing parameters but also theinitialization of scanning parameters.

In another preferred embodiment, the adjusting unit is designed forapplying the adjusted scanning parameters to scanning operations of manyor even all probe-field-units. In terms of minimizing the ratio ofoperational data marks to the total number of marks on the storagemedium, as a first step it suffices that only one field is provided withoperational data marks. The operational data are responsible for runningscanning processes of all the other probe-field-units. This preferredembodiment avoids forcing every single field to store its ownoperational data. Appropriate mechanisms are provided for distributingcontrol signals being derived from the operational data to theprobe-field-units. For example, appropriate electrical circuits areprovided to each of the probe-field-units for generating reading pulseswith a frequency and/or a phase according to the operational data, sothat these pulses are fired, whenever the respective probe meets a markcenter.

A further embodiment of the storage device comprises a protectioncircuit for non-erasing or non-rewriting marks representing operationaldata. In contrast to non-operational data, also named storage data,which might be rewritten or erased by users of the device, operationaldata should be stored on the storage medium permanently, since theinformation operational or control carries is needed for every scanningprocess. At least in case non-operational data is erasable orrewritable, the protection circuit is preferably designed for inhibitingany erasing or rewriting of the operational data field or fields. Thedesign of such a protection circuit depends on the way marks on thestorage medium are generally erasable or rewritable. In case erasing orrewriting works thermomechanically, for example by applying high-currentpulses to the probes to generate heat for melting parts of the storagemedium, a preferred protection circuit comprises current limiting meansconnected to the operational data field scanning probes.

Another preferred embodiment of the storage device is suggested, wherethe operational data field or fields exclusively comprise marksrepresenting operational data. Such a dedicated operational data fieldis very advantageous, since preferably a scanning mode is applied toscanning all or at least a majority of the fields in parallel. Thus, theoperational data field is scanned from its beginning to its endsimultaneously with many other fields. Consequently this preferredembodiment allows that scanning parameters can be adjusted untilscanning the very last marks of each field, since the operational datafield also delivers scanning operational data even with its very lastmarks.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data field comprises aplurality of identical mark patterns, the identical mark patterns beingsequentially aligned in a scanning direction. A certain mark pattern maycontain a bundle of information on operating the scanning mode and oncesuch a pattern is scanned, its content can be decoded and executed.Typically such a pattern does not cover the entire storage capacity ofan operational data field. Consequently it is advantageous to have sucha pattern stored repeatedly in an operational data field. Thereforemultiple adjusting steps can be performed while scanning a field.Preferably, the adjusting steps are performed immediately after one ofthe operational data mark patterns is scanned and appropriate parametersare derived from it. This leads to a control loop for adjusting scanningparameters continuously while scanning a field, the adjusting stepsbeing executed with a high frequency.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the fields has a track with atrack centerline for the associated probe to follow in the scanningmode. Correspondingly, the probes are aligned in a two dimensionalarray. In the scanning mode each probe follows a track centerline in itsassociated field, provided there is no deviation. The storage device isset up in two dimensions with the ability to store data with highdensity.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the fields has a plurality ofstraight line tracks, the tracks being arranged in parallel. In contrastto circular arranged tracks on rotating storage media, this embodimentis designed for x-/y-scanning and especially for parallel x-/y-scanningof many storage fields, as the shape of the tracks determines thescanning direction and therefore the relative movement between probesand storage medium.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the tracks of the operationaldata field comprises an identical mark pattern. The proposed trackscheme according to the above mentioned embodiment requires each probeto be lifted at the end of a track and to be put back on the followingtrack for continued scanning. In case lifting the array of probes is notnecessary, at least a cross-track movement has to be performed. Withthese mechanical steps being necessary for track switching, it isadvantageous to adjust scanning parameters again with each track. Due toprovision of identical mark patterns in each track, adjusting processesare taken for each track at the same time. This is advantageous forapplying correcting terms to scanned data, especially to data scannedright before adjusting instants.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the tracks of the operationaldata field comprises a plurality of identical mark patterns. Multipleadjusting steps can be performed during scanning each track. Thisfeature leads to an overall increase in the number of adjusting steps,to a minimization of error rate, and therefore to an overall increase ofscanning precision and quality.

In another preferred embodiment, the adjusting unit comprises acomputing unit for computing the adjusted scanning parameters based oninput values delivered from the operational data scanning probe.

In a further preferred embodiment, the adjusting unit comprises anaveraging unit for averaging values delivered from the operational datamarks scanning probe. In case there are multiple identical mark patternsprovided for the operational data field, adjustment actions can not onlybe taken right after having scanned one of the patterns but also afterhaving scanned a plurality of the patterns and after having averaged thescanned values. Adjusted parameters computed on these averaged valuesare applied to the scanning mode afterwards. This leads to a veryprecise set of adjusted scanning parameters. Averaging can also includemajority voting to increase error resistance. Instantaneous adjustmentis maintained by taking first adjusting steps based on non-averagedvalues and taking further adjusting steps based on averaged values, onceat least two of identical mark patterns become available.

In another preferred embodiment, the storage medium comprises at least asecond field with marks representing operational data for operating thescanning mode. Due to the fact that operational data stored in the firstfield is responsible for the scanning mode of many or even all of thedata fields, a damaged first field or a damaged probe associated to thisfield might inhibit scanning all of other data fields. Providing atleast a second field with operational data can overcome the drawback andguarantee scanning operations even if the first field is damaged, forexample due to scratches.

In another preferred embodiment, a mark pattern of the first operationaldata field is different from a mark pattern of the second operationaldata field. This feature increases access to operational data, sinceoperational data fields can be scanned and read in parallel, so quickaccess to different data represented by different mark patterns placedin different operational data fields is achieved.

In another preferred embodiment, at least two operational data fieldshave the same mark patterns stored. The only difference is that everyoperational data field has these mark patterns stored in a differentorder. This also helps increase access to operational data, sincedifferent operational data can be accessed simultaneously due toparallel scanning of the operational data fields.

In another preferred embodiment, at least two operational data fieldsare arranged on the storage medium with at least one of the data storagefields in between. This feature increases probability of at least oneoperational data probe-field-unit not being damaged, even if anotheroperational data probe-field-unit is damaged for example due tomechanical impact.

In another preferred embodiment, the fields of the storage medium arearranged in a two dimensional array, at least three of the fields beingdesigned as operational data fields. These operational data fields arearranged on the storage medium with at least one storage data fieldbeing arranged in between each two of them, and where not all of theoperational data fields are arranged on a straight line. This featureincreases probability of at least one operating data probe-field-unitnot being damaged, for example through straight line scratches or otherimpacts.

In another preferred embodiment, a minority of the fields comprisesoperational data marks and a majority of the fields is determined tostore non-operational data. In order to achieve high probability oferror-free operational data, redundancy of operational data fields islimited in such a way that storage capacity is still the main focus.

In another preferred embodiment, the adjusting unit has an inputconnected with the operational data field scanning probes. Further on,the adjusting unit comprises preferably a computing unit for computingthe adjusted scanning parameters based on input values delivered fromthe operational data field scanning probes. Means are provided forswitching between operational data fields while scanning them andcomputing adjusted scanning parameters, or for switching betweenoperational data fields in case some of the fields are defective.

In a further preferred embodiment, the adjusting unit comprises anaveraging unit for averaging values delivered from the operational datafield scanning probes. Averaging operational data field values isadvantageous for computing very precise adjusted parameters. Averagingcan not only be based on multiple identical mark patterns arranged in asingle operational data field, but even on identical mark patternsplaced in different operational data fields. Averaging includes alsomajority voting to increase error resistance. Because of the possibilityof parallel scanning of the identical mark patterns in different fields,adjusting parameters can be computed and conducted quickly andaccurately.

In another preferred embodiment, the second operational data fieldcomprises a different mark pattern than the first operational datafield. In case an adjusted scanning parameter is calculated dependent ontwo input values, for example represented by a first mark pattern and asecond mark pattern, the first operational data field preferablycontains the first mark pattern and the second operational data fieldpreferably contains the second mark pattern. Because of simultaneousreading of the two operational data fields when these fields arearranged on the array in the direction of parallel scanning, inputvalues are available much faster than with scanning these patternssequentially.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data field comprisesmarks representing operational data in the form of tracking marks.Tracking marks are designed and especially placed for determining thedeviation of the associated probe from a current track centerline. Thesetracking marks are arranged within the operational data field in such away, that they help to identify a cross-track position of the associatedtip with respect to the current track centerline. In this sense trackingmarks are operational data marks that are used for aligning probes inthe scanning mode in order to achieve reliable reading or writing data.Adjusted scanning parameters then comprise deviation data.

In another preferred embodiment, a servo actuator is fed with anadjusted scanning parameter for repositioning the probe on the currenttrack centerline in case of deviation, the adjusted scanning parameterbeing dependent on the deviation data. Servo actuators are quick meansfor repositioning deviated probes back on the current track centerline.Such an actuator generally converts deviation information into controlsignals for a servomotor belonging to the overall driving mechanism ofthe storage device.

In another preferred embodiment, at least some of the tracking marks arearranged off-centered from the track centerline in a cross-trackdirection. This feature helps generate deviation information, since adeviated probe outputs a high-amplitude signal when scanning over one ofthese off-centered tracking marks.

A preferred embodiment of the storage device comprises off-centeredtracking marks in each of the tracks of the operational data field.Deviation data can be generated with respect to every track and inparticular with respect to every track centerline.

In another preferred embodiment, tracking marks associated to adetermined track are provided with different cross-track distancesbetween the mark centers and the respective track centerline. Accordingto this embodiment of the invention, the magnitude of deviation can bederived precisely.

In another preferred embodiment, one or more operational data fieldshave virtual bursts, which are physically understood as areas comprisingtracking marks that belong to different tracks of an operational datafield. A tracking mark belongs to a certain burst when holding apredetermined distance between its mark center and a centerline orbetween its mark center and a mark center of a mark of a differentburst. This kind of tracking scheme helps to support a trackingalgorithm for estimating the precise position of a tip across a track.Mark centers are understood as centers of mark extensions in top view.Having a second burst in addition to a first burst of tracking markshelps to derive cross-track positions that can be uniquely decoded, asmark values of different bursts can be processed, for example subtractedfrom each other, to give further information on the precise position ofthe tip.

In another preferred embodiment, the bursts comprise a plurality oftracking marks associated to each track or track centerline. This kindof redundancy increases the reliability of the deviation information andthe consequent averaging steps.

The effects of some of the following embodiments are referred to aso-called in-phase signal. The in-phase signal is derived fromcross-track scanning marks of a first burst and subtracting the scannedvalues from values gained from cross-track scanning marks of a secondburst. This vertical probe movement is only conceptual, since the actualmovement of a probe is in longitudinal direction parallel to the tracks.

The in-phase signal helps getting information about the precise positionof a tip. The in-phase signal has certain values along a track in across-track direction and therefore helps in determining a cross-trackdeviation, also called position error, of a probe, once a certain valueis traced. A value is traced in turn by moving a possibly deviated probealong a track in the longitudinal direction—parallel to tracks—over twobursts, scanning mark values of both of the bursts, subtracting the markvalues and receiving an in-phase value. With an in-phase value computedin this way, the deviation position can be determined.

In another preferred embodiment, a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of two disjoint bursts is about equal to the diameter ofthe marks. In case the cross-track displacement is at least not lessthan a diameter of the marks, an in-phase signal shows constant slope,which helps identify the precise deviation easily.

In another preferred embodiment, a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of two disjoint bursts is less than the diameter of themarks. In case the cross-track displacement is less than the diameter ofthe marks, an in-phase signal shows sections with different slope.Different slopes in the in-phase signal can be accepted provided thein-phase signal is zero-valued at track centerlines. Different slopescan also be advantageous to balance non-ideal mark topographies.

In another preferred embodiment, there are two different mark centercross-track distances between marks of two bursts. A first mark centercross-track distance has a value less than a diameter of the marks. Asecond mark center cross-track distance has a value equal to a trackpitch (TP) minus said first mark center cross-track distance. The firstmark center cross-track distance is obtained, when starting from a markin the first burst and going to the closest mark vertically in thesecond burst. The second mark center cross-track distance is obtained,when starting from a mark in the second burst and going to the closestmark vertically in the first burst. This mark arrangement may causedifferent slopes in the in-phase signal but helps having zero values inthe in-phase signal at track centerlines.

In another preferred embodiment, a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of two bursts is independent from the diameter of themarks. This embodiment provides an easy way of placing tracking marksindependent of their diameter on fixed positions, and only relative tothe track centerlines.

In another preferred embodiment, a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of two bursts is half of a track pitch. This embodimentleads to decouple the cross-track distance of marks from their diameter.This is important, since the mark diameter is basically variable anddepends on parameters such as writing power.

In another preferred embodiment, the tracking marks of the two burstshave the same mark-center to track-centerline cross-track distance.Hence, they are symmetrically placed around the track centerline toachieve deviation positions that can be uniquely decoded.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data field has a thirdand a fourth burst, where a cross-track distance between centers ofmarks of the first and the third bursts as well as a cross-trackdistance between centers of marks of the second and the fourth bursts isquarter of a track pitch. The above mentioned in-phase signal is oftennot adequate for delivering a unique position estimate. In order to makethe in-phase signal uniquely decodable, there has to be provided aquadrature signal by phase shifting the in-phase signal by 90 degrees.To each value of the in-phase signal there corresponds another value ofthe quadrature signal, so even if the in-phase signal itself deliversin-phase values that are not uniquely decodable, the in-phase value incombination with an associated quadrature value can be decoded uniquely.

Another preferred embodiment comprises a subtracter circuit forsubtracting the scanned value of a first burst mark from the scannedvalue of a second burst mark for computing an in-phase value. Thein-phase value represents a value of the in-phase signal.

Another preferred embodiment comprises another subtracter circuit forsubtracting the scanned value of a third burst mark from the scannedvalue of a fourth burst mark for computing a quadrature value. Thequadrature value represents a value of the quadrature signal.

Another preferred embodiment comprises an evaluator for computing anadjusted scanning parameter determined by the in-phase value and thequadrature value. This adjusted scanning parameter will compriseinformation on the deviation or position of a probe on a track.

Another preferred embodiment of the storage device comprises a drivingmechanism for moving he probes relative to the storage medium during thescanning mode. An element for mechanically linking the probes indetermined and permanent distances from each other is provided forsimultaneously moving the probes relative to the storage medium whenapplying the driving mechanism. With this embodiment, parallel scanningof all fields is achieved with minimal driving efforts. Drivingmechanism might comprise two servo-motors, one for x-movements, theother one for y-movements, the latter comprising the servo actuator fortracking. X-movements and y-movements can be interchanged of course.Other suitable driving mechanisms can be applied. The linking elementcan be a base plate with all the probes arranged on it at determineddisplacements. Another embodiment of the linking element can be a commonsubstrate of the probes.

In another preferred embodiment, the driving mechanism comprises theservo actuator, and the evaluator is designed for deriving a servoactuator control signal from the adjusted scanning parameter foradjusting the cross-track position of the probe array relative to thestorage medium.

In another preferred embodiment, each probe comprises a cantilever and atip. These probe embodiments are arranged to perform contact scanning.The cantilever has spring properties.

In another preferred embodiment, the tracking marks have basically thesame shape as stored or to be stored non-operational data marks.Operational data marks as well as non-operational data marks arepreferably written with the same technique and therefore have the samebasic shape. This lowers efforts in providing the operational datafields with marks. A single writing technique can be appliedirrespective of writing operational data marks or non-operational,conventional data marks.

In another preferred embodiment, the marks are characterized astopographic properties of a storage medium layer. Topographic markssupport contact mode scanning with cantilever based probes.

In another preferred embodiment, the marks are either indentations ornon-indentations in the recording layer. This embodiment supportsthermowriting techniques. In thermowriting, the tip is heated whilepressed on an appropriate layer of the storage medium, polymer layersare preferred storage medium, and generates an indentation when the spotunder the tip melts.

In another preferred embodiment, the indentation shaped marks haveapproximately symmetrical conical walls in cross section. This shape isa result of above mentioned thermomechanical writing. Advantage of thatkind of indentation shape is, that with sharp tips high resolutionscanning can be performed. When scanning such kind of indentation marks,not only the existence of an indentation can be detected, but also theposition where the tip is crossing the indentation within an indentationmark. In case the tip is positioned within a side wall of theindentation away from the center, this can be detected.

In another preferred embodiment, the tracking marks have an elongatedshape in the scanning direction, preferably in contrast tonon-operational data marks. For scanning purposes reading pulses can befired at instants when the tip is positioned exactly over a mark center.When timing of pulse firing fails, the readout value will not reach itsmaximum value since the mark center is missed. This leads to falsedeviation detection. The above described shape of tracking marks is morerobust to timing errors, allows a long period for firing reading pulsesinstead of short instants, and therefore increases quality of scannedoperational data values.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data field comprisestiming marks for determining or adjusting the frequency or the phase ofreading, writing or erasing pulses applied to probes in the scanningmode. Exact pulse firing instants, either for reading, writing, erasingor a combination of these operations, can be derived from theoperational data field. Timing marks and tracking marks may be placed ina common operational data field. Operational data marks can supplyinformation for timing and for tracking purposes even simultaneously.Here these kind of marks are scanned and read, and the response isevaluated both under tracking viewpoints and under timing viewpoints.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data field comprisesmarks for determining a track identification. A probe, and in particularthe operational data field scanning probe, can be set on a track in therespective field according to the determined track identification.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is claimed forscanning a storage medium, comprising scanning one or more fields of thestorage medium with a probe, the field comprising marks representingoperational data for operating a scanning mode, simultaneously scanningadditional fields of the storage medium with additional tip shapedprobes, computing adjusted scanning parameters based on read operationaldata, and adjusting the scanning mode according to the computedparameters.

In another preferred embodiment, scanning operations of all of thefields are affected when adjusting the scanning mode.

In another preferred embodiment, computing and adjusting steps takeplace several times while scanning the operational data field.

In another preferred embodiment, redundant marks in the operational datafield are scanned and the corresponding values are averaged, and theadjusted scanning parameters are computed based on the averaged values.

In another preferred embodiment, at least one additional fieldcomprising marks representing operational data is simultaneously scannedby an associated tip shaped probe.

In another preferred embodiment, the operational data fields areprovided with redundant marks, wherein the corresponding values of theredundant marks of different operational data fields are averaged, andwherein the adjusted scanning parameters are computed based on theaveraged values.

In another preferred embodiment, different operation data fields areprovided with marks representing different operational data, and themarks of different operational data fields are scanned simultaneously.

In another preferred embodiment, a probe scans its associated fieldalong tracks with track centerlines, and cross-track deviated probes arerepositioned on the associated track centerlines.

In another preferred embodiment, bursts with off-centered tracking marksare scanned, corresponding mark values of two of the bursts aresubtracted to compute an in-phase value, corresponding mark values oftwo further of the bursts are subtracted to compute a quadrature value,and the adjusted scanning parameter is computed based on the in-phasevalue and the quadrature value.

In another preferred embodiment, the frequency or the phase of reading,writing or erasing pulses applied to the probes in the scanning mode isadjusted.

Advantages of the method and its embodiments go along with theadvantages of the inventive apparatus and its embodiments describedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its embodiments will be more fully appreciated byreference to the following detailed description of presently preferredbut nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the presentinvention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a storage device in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a storing medium with a symbolic probearray in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the top view of another embodiment of a storagemedium with a symbolic probe array in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an operational data field according tothe present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an in-phase and a quadrature signal over across-track extension.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a section of a first tracking pattern of anoperational data field according to the present invention in top view,and FIG. 6 b illustrates the corresponding in-phase and quadraturesignals.

FIG. 7 a illustrates a section of a second tracking pattern of anoperational data field according to the present invention in top view,and FIG. 7 b illustrates the corresponding in-phase and quadraturesignals.

FIG. 8 a illustrates a section of a third tracking pattern of anoperational data field according to the present invention in top view,and FIG. 8 b illustrates the corresponding in-phase and quadraturesignals,

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the first tracking patternaccording to FIG. 6 a in top view,

FIG. 10 a illustrates a first conceptual embodiment of an array offields according to the present invention in top view, while FIG. 10 billustrates a second conceptual embodiment of an array of fieldsaccording to the present invention in top view, and FIG. 10 cillustrates a third conceptual embodiment of an array of fieldsaccording to the present invention in top view.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a perspective view of a tip shaped probe, and FIG.11 b illustrates a cross sectional view of an indentation mark, writtenby the tip shaped probe according to FIG. 11 a.

Different figures may contain identical references, representingelements with similar or uniform content.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a storage device in accordance withthe present invention. A storage medium 1 comprising a substrate 11 anda polymer layer 12 is facing a probe array 2 having a plurality ofprobes 21.

Probes 21 are mechanically linked to a linking element 22 having theshape of a plate. The linking element 22 is transparent and cut open atone edge solely for illustrative purposes. FIG. 11 a shows a perspectiveview of a single probe 21. The probe 21 comprises a spring cantilever211 with a tip 212 at its end. The cantilever 211 is sensitive tovertical forces. The probe 21 further comprises a heater platform 213between legs of the cantilever 211 and the tip 212.

Writing in the storage device is performed using a thermomechanicaltechnique. A local force is applied to the polymer layer 12 by the probe21. Polymer layer 12 is softened by heating the heater platform 213 witha current or voltage pulse during contact mode, so that the polymerlayer 12 is softened locally where the tip 212 touches the polymer layer12. The result is a small indentation mark 5 in the polymer layer 12according to FIG. 11 b, having nanoscale diameter d.

In order to read data, the polymer layer 12 is moved under the probearray 2 at a constant velocity. The scanning velocity and the distancebetween marks determine the data rate of the system in marks/bits reador written per second. Reading is also accomplished with athermomechanical concept. The heater cantilever 211 used for writing isgiven the additional function of a thermal reading sensor by exploitingits temperature dependent resistance. For reading purposes, the resistoris operated at a temperature, that is not high enough to soften thepolymer layer 12 as is necessary for writing. For reasons of powerconservation, periodic current or voltage pulses of short duration areapplied to the cantilevers in order to heat the cantilever to theappropriate temperature for reading purposes, rather than a DC currentor DC voltage. This pulsed reading signal determines operatingtemperature at the cantilevers for data readout. Data detection isperformed by monitoring the changes in the current signal across theheated cantilever as it scans over tracks. The thermal sensing is basedon the fact that the thermal conductance between the probe 21 and thestorage medium 1 changes when the probe 21 is moving into an indentationmark 5, as the heat transport will be more efficient. The probe'stemperature drops due to more efficient heat transport through air, asthe cantilever tip moves into a polymer indentation mark 5 where thedistance between heater and polymer is reduced. Since indentation marks5 do not usually have vertical walls in practice, they are modeled asconical indentations of the storage medium 1—see FIG. 11 b. Duringmotion of the tip 212, the temperature change of a heated cantilever 211is gradual as it moves from a mark edge down towards its center, wherethe mark depth is maximum. Consequently the heater platform'stemperature and hence its resistance will decrease. Thus, changes of theheated resistor are monitored while the cantilever 211 is scanned overdata marks.

Solely for purposes of illustration, marks 5 are shown only in aconfined area of the storage medium 1 back in FIG. 1.

The probes 21 are scanning the entire storage medium 1 either by movingthe probe array 2 relatively to the storage medium 1 or vice versa. InFIG. 1 the storage medium 1 is moved while the probe array is fixed inits position. Arrows x and y indicate the scanning direction, while zarrows indicate an approaching and leveling scheme in vertical directionfor bringing the entire probe array 2 into contact with the storagemedium 1.

The storage medium 1 is divided into fields, not explicitly shown inFIG. 1. Each probe 21 of the array 2 scans—e.g. writes or reads—only inits own data field. Consequently a storage device with for example32.times.32 probes will comprise 32.times.32=1024 fields.

At least one of these fields, while not shown explicitly in FIG. 1 butshown in the following FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 with the reference 42,comprises operational data, used by the storage device for running thescanning mode in an appropriate way. Such operational data may be datafor obtaining timing information for scanning purposes: For reasons ofpower conservation, periodic pulses of short duration rather than a DCvoltage are applied to the cantilevers 211 while scanning the storagemedium 1. During normal operation, one such pulse is fired every Tseconds—corresponding to the horizontal distance between neighboringmarks 5. The duration of the pulse is small compared to the time ittakes to move in and out of the mark 5. Therefore it is advantageous toderive timing information from the operational data field. Otheroperational data may be tracking data described in detail below.

The operational data field is preferably prewritten by the devicemanufacturer, whereas the other data fields are not prewritten with datawhen the storage device has rewritable properties, but are prewrittenwith data when the storage device is read only.

The storage device is preferably operated with row and bursttime-multiplexing addressing, schematically shown by multiplexers 32.The storage device according to FIG. 1 is ready for parallel scanning ofall fields. Storage fields might also be scanned row by row or burst byburst. Every movement of a single probe 21 is applied to all the otherprobes 21 due to mechanical coupling of the probes 21.

FIG. 2 presents a symbolic top view of a storage medium 1 with fourtimes four fields 4 arranged in rows and bursts. Each field comprisesmarks 5. There are symbolic nine marks 5 disclosed within each field 4.This amount is of course not of true nature but only symbolic, as it isdesirable for these kind of storage devices to pack as much data markson the storage medium 1 as possible. All of the depicted fields 4 aredata storage fields 41, except the field 42 in the upper left cornercontaining exclusively operational data for running the storage device.The fields are bordered in order to make them visible. Such borders informs of grooves might also be placed on the storage medium 1 fordefining the beginning and the end of a field 41, 42, but notnecessarily are. Rather, fields are defined by the extent of marks 5 asingle probe 21 is responsible for scanning.

In addition, only a few of symbolic tip shaped probes 21 are shown in ascanning position touching every one of fields 41 and 42. The probes 21are electrically connected with a time multiplexer 32, representedsymbolically with common wires in FIG. 2.

Operational data field 42 might also have a wider geometry than datastorage fields 41, to allow scanner turn around and re-centering theassociated probe 21 on the desired track.

FIG. 3 shows another symbolic top view of a storage medium 1 with sixtimes five fields 4 arranged in rows and bursts. Each field 4 comprisesmarks 5, symbolically drawn as spots. All of the fields are data fields41, except the field 42 in the upper left corner and the field below it,both of these fields containing exclusively operational data for runningthe storage device.

Only some of the probes 21 are symbolically shown for clarity in thedrawing. FIG. 3 presents an adjusting unit 3 with several elements:input 34, protection circuit 31, averaging unit 33 and computing unit32, the latter comprising a first subtractor unit 321, a secondsubtracter unit 322 and an evaluator 323. These sub-units are explainedmore detailed below with respect to further drawings. The adjusting unit3 is connected to a driving mechanism 6 of the storage device for movingthe probe array 2 relatively to the storage medium 1.

The adjusting unit 3 might be a microcomputer with associated softwareprograms, or hardware, or be embodied partly as hardwire logic andpartly as software. The averaging unit 33 can be part of the computingunit 32 or vice versa. In this context, the term unit is not understoodas a physical unit but as a function that might have a physicalcorrespondence but not need to have.

The adjusting unit 3 is designed to receive scanned operational data.The direct physical link of the input 34 to both of the operational datafield scanning probes 21 is a symbolic link rather than a physical twowire link and can also be achieved by multiplexing or other techniques.The adjustment unit 3 in general is designed to process the receivedoperational data and output parameters having impact on the scanningmode of many or all the probe-field units. These adjusted scanningparameters can have impact on the driving mechanism 6 or the way theprobes 21 are scanning, symbolized with lines connecting the adjustmentunit 3 with the probes 21 and the driving mechanism 6.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an exemplary operational data field 42according to the present invention. The operational data field 42comprises several tracks TR1 . . . TR6. Track centerlines TRC1 . . .TRC6 mark the middle of each track TR and represent the way theassociated tip is moving during scanning mode, see also scanningdirection SCD with its corresponding arrow. Along the track centerlinesTRC1 . . . TRC6, there are marks 5 representing operational data. Eachmark is centered on its track centerline, so a centered tip shaped probecan detect the marks 5. Presence of a mark indentation corresponds to alogical 1 and the absence of it to a logical 0. All indentations, alsocalled pits, are nominally of equal depths and sizes, and are placed ata fixed horizontal distance from each other along a track TR. Thehorizontal distance between mark centers is called bit pitch BP. Thevertical track extension, and accordingly the vertical distance betweenadjacent track centerlines, is called track pitch TP.

Marks 5 in FIG. 4 have physical properties of indentations, depicted ascircles, and non-indentations, not depicted, but still “alive”, e.g. inbetween the two and the four marks alignment. As can easily be derivedfrom FIG. 4, a certain amount of marks 5 represent a mark pattern MP1,that is repeated three times on each track TR. Assuming this markpattern MP1 helps determining a permanently shifting scanning parameterlike reading or writing frequency, this frequency can be adjusted threetimes at instants t1, t2 and t3. Every time a mark pattern MP1 fordetermining the correct frequency is scanned completely, correcting oradjusting control or operational parameters are computed. This affectsscanning frequency of all data fields, as scanning of all the fields ispreferably performed in parallel and adjusted parameters are distributedto all probes, or at least most of the probes are affected by anadjusted parameter.

Since a field is usually scanned track by track, it is advantageous toprovide identical mark patterns for every track. Therefore the triplemark pattern MP1, which builds mark pattern MPTR, is provided for everytrack.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, inclusive, deal with operational data used fortracking. It is desirable to know the deviation, synonymous to position,of a probe from its ideal position on a track, preferably its trackcenterline, in order to reposition the probe to its ideal position.Otherwise scanned data might contain errors.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 5 shows an ideal in-phase signal aswell as a quadrature signal over cross-track extension. The numbers onthe horizontal axis correspond to numbers of track centerlines, spacedapart with track pitch TP.

The in-phase signal helps getting information about the precise positionof a tip and its cross-track deviation from track centerlines: Thein-phase signal has certain values along a track in cross-trackdirection. When operating the storage device, a displacement of theprobe can be detected through well-placed tracking marks. When ridingover these marks, the probe delivers a signal with a certain amplitude.The value of this amplitude can be decoded into a deviation or positionaccording to the in-phase signal.

An ideal in-phase signal like the one shown in FIG. 5 has unique valuesover one track width in cross-track direction. Hence, every single valueof the ideal in-phase signal stands for a unique deviation value withina certain track. The ideal in-phase signal is zero at track centerlinesand is linear across a cross-track length corresponding to one trackpitch TP (plus and minus one half of a track pitch around each trackcenter). Therefore, each cross-track position error is uniquely mappedwithin a track pitch to a deviation value. Constant signal slope withina track and the zero-values at track centerlines supports quick and easydecoding of the deviation.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide a tracking structure on thestorage medium that delivers uniquely decodable values along an in-phasesignal. With applying one aspect of the invention to use marks not beingdifferent from data marks as tracking marks, building a uniquelydecodable tracking structure depends on mark diameter and track pitch.

Even with having a tracking structure close to providing an idealin-phase signal, sometimes a flattening of the in-phase signal aroundtrack borderlines occurs, especially around its minimum and maximumvalues. This phenomenon leads to non-unique decodable values of thein-phase signal. To ensure unique deviation decoding at these positionsa quadrature signal is generated in addition to the in-phase signal, seeFIG. 5, dotted line. This quadrature signal is a 90 degrees phaseshifted version of the in-phase signal. The quadrature signal haszero-crossings at track borderlines. The quadrature signal helps inremoving the deviation ambiguity of the in-phase signal. This isachieved by using the in-phase signal around track centerlines, and thequadrature signal elsewhere. In order to know which signal is toactually use, both the in-signal value and the quadrature value have tobe evaluated. The resultant signal, also called position error signalPES, is shown in thick solid lines in FIG. 5. It is piece-wise linear,with constant absolute slope at all cross-track positions.

FIG. 6 shows a first approach to a tracking mark pattern. FIG. 6 a showsa section of a first tracking pattern of an operational data fieldaccording to the present invention in top view. FIG. 6 b showscorresponding in-phase and a quadrature signals over cross-trackextension. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show further embodiments of tracking markpatterns. Scanning direction SCD is indicated.

In FIGS. 6 a, 7 a and 8 a, the solid horizontal lines depict trackcenterlines TRC while tracking marks 5 are modeled as perfect conicalindentations of the polymer storage surface and have circular form dueto the top view. Each of these figures present four track centerlinesTRC with numbers zero to three with a track pitch TP=3d/2. Parameter dis the diameter of a single mark 5. There are four bursts A, B, C and Dshown in every figure. Tracking marks 5 are placed in bursts A and B forbuilding the in-phase signal, and other tracking marks 5 placed inbursts C and D for building the quadrature signal.

Referring to the embodiment according to FIG. 6 a, the centers oftracking marks in burst B are vertically offset by an amount equal tothe mark diameter d from mark centers in burst A, an arrow is indicatingthe cross-track mark-center distance. This vertical offset is alwaysunderstood as a cross-track distance between mark centers of marksbelonging to different bursts. The aforementioned distance between marksin bursts A and B assures no vertical overlap between marks in the twobursts A and B. The same principle applies to marks in bursts C and D,with the additional condition the mark centers in burst C are offset byd/2 from mark centers in burst A in cross-track direction. Thisrelationship is valid for marks of bursts D and B too. The lattercondition is required to generate the corresponding quadrature signal.

In order to illustrate generation of in-phase and quadrature signals, itis assumed that a tip shaped probe is located on track centerline numberzero and moves vertically down towards tracking centerline number threein a line which crosses the centers of marks in burst A (dotted line).The tip moves from the edge of the top mark towards its center, thentowards its bottom edge, then to blank space, then again to a mark andso on. The response signal magnitude decreases linearly with thedistance from the mark center and is zero or equal to a constant outsidea mark according to the adopted conical shape of a mark.

This and the following disclosed vertical probe movements are only highlevel and illustrative, since the actual movement of the probe is in thelongitudinal direction parallel to the tracks. Vertical movement is usedin order to illustrate the generation of in-phase and quadrature signalsand possibly resultant position error signals, that is the curve arisingby joining all deviation or position error values, each valuecorresponding to a certain deviated cross-track position of the probe.

To generate the in-phase signal, the tip is then moved over burst B andthe readout signal is measured in a vertical line crossing the markcenters of burst B (dotted line). The in-phase signal is then generatedas a difference A minus B, where A and B stand for the demodulatedsignal values of vertically scanned bursts A and B. This in-phase signalis represented by a line labeled I in FIG. 6 b. The in-phase signal haszero-crossings at multiples of d, which do not generally correspond totrack centerlines since TP=3d/2. Therefore, the in-phase signal is notuniquely decodable in itself.

This is where the quadrature signal becomes necessary. The quadraturesignal is generated from scanning the marks of bursts C and D in the waydescribed above with respect to bursts A and B, with burst C replacingburst A and burst D replacing burst B. The quadrature signal isgenerated from vertically scanning marks of bursts C and D andsubtracting values of burst D from values of burst C. The result isshown in FIG. 6 b as quadrature signal Q, the quadrature signal Q beinga phase shifted version of the in-phase signal by 90 degrees. Thequadrature signal exhibits zero-crossings at points, where the in-phasesignal I has local extrema.

Consider the case where a possibly deviated probe moves along a track inlongitudinal or scanning direction SCD. Mark values of both of thebursts A and B are scanned. These mark values are subtracted by ansubtracter circuit 321 according to FIG. 3, which outputs an in-phasevalue IPV. For example, track one is scanned in FIG. 6 a, the probe isslightly deviated, and the in-phase value IPV delivered from subtractercircuit 321 having an exemplary value shown in FIG. 6 b. This in-phasevalue IPV might have two correspondences on the in-phase signal of trackone in FIG. 6 b: the scanned and computed in-phase value IPV might standfor a deviation x0 or for a deviation x1, which is the same absolutedeviation value but in different directions from track centerline numberone. The measured in-phase value IPV is thus not uniquely decodable. Butto each value of the in-phase signal, another value of the quadraturesignal is assigned, a position of the probe can uniquely be determinedby looking at the in-phase value and the corresponding quadrature value.

To gain the corresponding quadrature value QUV, mark values of both ofthe bursts C and D are scanned with the slightly deviated probe inscanning direction SCD. These mark values are subtracted by a secondsubtracter circuit 322 according to FIG. 3, which outputs the quadraturevalue QUV.

In case the probe is deviated to position xO, the quadrature value QUVwould have negative polarity according to FIG. 6 b. In case the probe isdeviated to position x1, the quadrature value QUV would have positivepolarity according to FIG. 6 b. This evaluation is done by the evaluator323 according to FIG. 3. The evaluator 323 determines, which one of thepossible deviations x0 or x1 is the correct one. In this example,position x0 is identified, the corresponding position in cross-trackextension is used for adjusted scanning parameter. The servo actuator isfed with this parameter to set the probe back on track centerline withx0 units.

This evaluation method also can be represented with a signal calledposition error signal PES, which is a combination of the in-phase signaland the quadrature signal. A piecewise combination of the I- andQ-signals results in the PES signal, shown with solid lines in FIG. 6 b.The PES signal has zero-crossings at all track centerlines and constantabsolute slope, which qualifies it as a valid PES signal. However, thisPES signal exhibits zero-crossings at all multiples of d/2. For thepresent embodiment with track pitch TP=3d/2, three such zero-crossingsexist within an area of track width TP around each track centerline.This fact however, does not hamper unique deviation decoding: Ateven-numbered tracks, it is the zero of the in-phase signal I thatsignifies the track center. The zeros of the quadrature signal Q in turncan be uniquely mapped into a position estimate by looking at thepolarity of the corresponding in-phase values. This is a very easydecoding algorithm. This holds for any value of the combined PES signalwithin the area around the track centerlines TRC. The signals and valueschange role for odd numbered tracks. The track number, which is knownbeforehand from the scanning operation is used to determine the mode ofoperation for the deviation demodulation procedure given the PES valueat hand.

Although each burst typically consists of many horizontally displacedmarks with the same cross-track deviation from the corresponding trackcenterline TRC to enable averaging of the corresponding readout signals,only two marks per burst are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, to simplifyillustration.

A further embodiment of a tracking mark pattern is shown in FIG. 7 awith the corresponding in-phase and quadrature signals I and Q overcross-track extension in FIG. 7 b. Track pitch TP is 3d/2 again. Themarks in each burst are now placed TP units apart vertically, whilemarks in bursts A, B and C, D overlap each other in the cross-trackdirection. The vertical distance between mark centers in burst A (C) andmark centers in burst B (D) is alternating between TP-d and d as shownin FIG. 7 a, giving rise to asymmetric in-phase and quadrature signals.The idea is to generate an in-phase signal I with zero-crossing at eachtrack centerline TRC. However, unwanted zero-crossings are alsogenerated midway through each track. A quadrature signal Q is needed toresolve ambiguity. Since the quadrature signal Q has a phase differenceof 2 PI radians from the in-phase signal I by definition, mark centersin burst C must be offset by TP/4 units from mark centers in burst A inthe cross-track direction.

Although the in-phase signal I is piecewise linear in FIG. 7 b, itexhibits an asymmetry around its extrema, which arises from theasymmetrical vertical placement of marks in bursts A and B. As a result,zero-crossings of the in-phase signal I do not align with extrema of thequadrature signal Q and vice versa. This leads to higher expenditures indecoding but gives unique deviation values over tracks in cross-trackdirection.

A further embodiment of a tracking mark pattern is shown in FIG. 8 awith the corresponding in-phase and quadrature signals I and Q overcross-track extension in FIG. 8 b. Track pitch TP is 3d/2 again.

Similar to the tracking mark pattern of FIG. 7, the generated PES signalof FIG. 8 b has zero-crossings at track centerlines and halfway between.However, unwanted zero-crossings are easily resolved through thequadrature signal Q, which now has minima at track centerlines andmaxima halfway between, or vice versa. The alignment of the extrema ofthe one signal with the zeros of the other signal is achieved by placingthe mark centers in bursts A and B—and also in bursts C and D—at equalvertical distances from each other. The distance between mark centers ofthe same burst is equal to TP, while the distance between mark centersin bursts A and B—and also in bursts C and D—is TP/2. The verticaldistance between A and C burst marks is TP/4.

Although the PES signal according to FIG. 8 b is not linear throughouthalf of its period, it is uniquely decodable at all points through theuse of both I and Q signals.

An interesting property of the mark pattern according to FIG. 8 a is,that it decouples the vertical distance of marks from the mark diameterd. This is advantageous, since the mark diameter d is variable anddepends on parameters such as writing power. In practice it has beenfound, that marks are not perfect conical indentations of the polymermedium but instead exhibit rings around the indentation. This means thatthe diameter of the indentation is smaller than the mark diameter.Position error demodulation however is based on the principle that thereadout signal reduces in magnitude away from the mark center andreaches a background level at a distance equal to d from the center. Ifthe indentation diameter is reduced, the effective range for positionerror demodulation also reduces. In order to ensure unique decoding andavoid multiple zero-crossings, one has to bring the marks of A and Bbursts as well as marks of C and D bursts vertically closer, so thatthey overlap in the cross-track direction. Mark pattern according toFIG. 8 a offers this flexibility, while also maintaining uniquedecoding.

One feature that has all the proposed tracking mark patterns in commonis, that they are all easy to fabricate: Writing of the tracking fieldcan be done by the probe itself. Self-writing is significantly cheaperand faster than, for example etching tracking marks which would involvelithographical steps.

Reading data fields is performed the same way as reading operationaldata fields. Therefore, an operational data field resembles a fieldprovided for conventional data, the only difference being theoff-centered placement of the tracking marks.

A further advantage is that tracking demodulation is almost identical todata readout. Specifically a pulse of short duration is fired when thecantilever tip crosses a mark center. This means that any cantilever canbe used for position error generation, thus simplifying the design ofthe system electronics.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of a tracking pattern within anoperational data field with focus on the shape of marks. The markpattern itself is similar to the mark pattern shown in FIG. 6 a in termsof relative vertical placement of the operational features in differentbursts. Scanning of marks belonging to the preceding patterns issensitive to timing errors, since the read pulses have to be fired atinstances, where the tip of the probe meets exactly the mark center.Thus, even when the tip is positioned exactly on the track centerline,the read out amplitude will not reach its maximum value, whenever themark center is missed with the firing pulse. This leads to loss ofamplitude for the demodulated deviation values at its local extrema andto flattening around its zero-crossings.

In order to increase robustness to timing variations marks arepreferably elongated, that is, made longer in the direction parallel tothe tracks and therefore in scanning direction SCD. In the limit, thegaps between indentation marks within a burst according to the precedingmark patterns are ‘filled’, thus creating only one fat mark per burstwhich covers the entire track length per burst previously occupied by anumber of marks. These elongated marks are then trenches, or grooves,along a specified length of the track. So the pattern according to FIG.6 a, is modified with elongated tracking marks according to FIG. 9. Thepositioning parameters of the pattern do not change. The robustness totiming variations is essential, as generation of deviation values willnot be affected, but the indentation of the polymer along thecross-track direction is now continuously present longitudinally.

The advantages of the tracking burst configurations according to thedetailed description of the previous figures carry over to elongatedtracking marks. Self-writing of tracking information is still feasible,while deviation demodulation is identical to conventional trackingmarks. The only slight difference between tracking mark spots andelongated tracking marks is that the latter may require higher power forwriting. However, since tracking information is only written once, thisissue tends to be of minimal importance.

Operational data field placement is a subject of careful consideration.For the following discussion it is assumed that the scanning mode hasparallel access to multiple fields along one dimension of the fieldarray. Scanning is, for example, performed row by row. By placing anumber of operational data fields along the parallel-accessed dimension,here the row of the array, either deviation values can instantaneouslybe generated, or several samples of a tracking burst can be sampled atonce. For example it is assumed, that four operational data fields areplaced in some row of the field array. One preferred embodiment is, thatwith regard to tracking, only marks of one burst according the precedingdescription are written in each of the operational data fields: So thefirst operational data field contains only marks of burst A, the secondoperational data field contains only marks of burst B, and so on. Theneach time, the row is read in parallel, one sample of each burst isobtained simultaneously, so that a deviation value can be computed. Inanother embodiment, all four operational data fields are similar,containing marks of all four bursts A, B, C, D. During readout, foursamples of the same burst are obtained at once, enabling averagingcomputations.

This first embodiment is advantageous in terms of frequency ofgenerating deviation values and therefore frequency of adjustingscanning, which is important in situations where scanner positions driftfast, causing tracking errors. The second embodiment leads to reliabledeviation values and adjusted scanning parameters, but requires moretime in order to generate these parameters. The choice of one of theseembodiments or some combination of them depends on the characteristicsof the system, the nature and severity of disturbances, and the scannermovement among other factors.

Redundancy basically means repeating the same information in severalspatially disjoint areas of the storage medium in order to increaserobustness to disturbances. Different advantageous redundancy patternshas already been introduced. Marks representing operational data can berepeated within a burst in a fine level to enable averaging out theeffects of random disturbances and noise. In the coarse level, entiretracking mark areas are duplicated in different fields of the array andtherefore in different areas of the storage medium. Thus, position errorinformation can be generated at a sufficient frequency and once aoperational data field or at least a burst is destroyed due toscratches, media defects or other media-dependent imperfections,scanning information can be derived from another source, for exampleanother operational data field.

FIG. 10 deals with operational data field placement on a storage mediumand shows three top views of an array of fields 4 divided into32.times.32 fields. Each square within the storage medium 1 represents afield. Un-shaded squares represent storage data fields 41. Shadedsquares represent operational data fields 42. Three preferredoperational data field configurations are introduced, with sixteenoperational data fields 42 within every array of fields 4. The number ofoperational data fields 42 is assigned as overhead. Scanning directionSCD within every field is indicated by an arrow.

In the first topology according to FIG. 10 a, all sixteen operationaldata fields 42 are placed in the first row of the two-dimensional fieldarray 4, given the fixed overhead budget of sixteen operational datafields. All the operational data fields 42 are covered with trackingmarks.

Since all fields of a row are accessed in parallel, provided row-wisemultiplexing is applied, it is advantageous to write only marks of oneof the above introduced bursts in each operational data field 42. Forexample, the first four operational data fields 42 contain only A burstmarks, the next four have B burst marks, and so on, with otherarrangements possible, such as A-B-C-D-A-B-C-D-A . . . . This schemewill generate four deviation values at one read access. These values canbe subject to averaging. In this context all marks of a burst A, B, C,or D can be regarded as a mark pattern, so that at least fouroperational data fields contain different mark patterns.

Applying row-wise multiplexing, each first mark of each first row fieldis read first, then each first mark of each second row field is read,and so on, until each first mark of each last row field in is read.Thereafter, each second mark of each first row field is read, then eachsecond mark of each second row field is read, and so on. Due to theconstant movement between the storage medium and the probe array, thefirst marks of each field in common field columns are shifted withrespect to each other in scanning direction to permit multiplexingaccess and maintaining constant movement. However, it will take Tsseconds between reading the first marks of the first row fields andreading the second marks of the first row fields with Ts being the timefor covering the distance between the centers of the first marks and thecenters of the second marks. Within these Ts seconds all the first marksof all other row fields except the first row fields are read. Ts denotesthe time until the next deviation values are generated. Therefore adeviation value is available every Ts seconds.

According to the topology of FIG. 10 b, averaging is traded off forfrequency of occurrence. Now two position error values are formed at oneaccess—provided an arrangement of two A, two B, two C and two D markpatterns over the eight first row operational fields, but two morefollow after Ts/2 seconds due to the placement of operational datafields in a middle row of the storage medium—provided an arrangement oftwo A, two B, two C and two D mark patterns over the eight middle rowoperational fields. This enables tracking of fast position variations

According to FIG. 10.c, this topology offers a maximum frequency oftracking information occurrence, with one deviation value generatedevery Ts/4 seconds according to placement of operational data fields inevery eighth row of the storage medium.

Other topologies and/or combinations thereto can be conceived within thescope of the invention. While our invention has been described withrespect to certain preferred embodiments and exemplifications, it is notintended to limit the scope of the invention thereby, but solely by theclaims appended hereto.

1. Storage device, comprising a. a storage medium for storing data inthe form marks, b. an array of probes designed for scanning said storagemedium for mark detecting purposes in a scanning mode, c. wherein saidstorage medium has fields with each field adapted to be scanned by anassociation probe, each of said fields has a plurality of tracks andeach of said tracks has a track centerline for the associated probe tofollow in said scanning mode, and d. wherein at least one of said fieldscomprises marks representing operational data for operating saidscanning mode wherein at least one operational data field comprisestracking marks for determining the deviation of the associated probeform a current track centerline, at least some of said tracking marksarranged off-centered from said track centerline in a cross-trackdirection and at least one operational data field comprises bursts wherea tracking mark is associated to a burst when holding a predetermineddistance between its mark center and a track centerline or between itsmark center and a center of a mark of a different burst.
 2. The storagedevice according to claim 1, wherein a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of two bursts is about a diameter of said marks.
 3. Thestorage device according to claim 1, wherein a mark center cross-trackdistance between marks of two bursts is less than a diameter of saidmarks.
 4. The storage device according to claim 1, having two differentmark center cross-track distances between marks of two bursts, the firstmark center cross-track distance having a value less than a diameter ofsaid marks, and the second mark center cross-track distance having avalue equal to a track pitch minus said first mark center cross-trackdistance.
 5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein a markcenter cross-track distance between marks of two bursts is independentfrom the diameter of said marks.
 6. The storage device according toclaim 1, wherein a mark center cross-track distance between marks of twobursts is about half of a track pitch.
 7. The storage device accordingto claim 8, wherein said operational data field has a third and a fourthburst, where a mark center cross-track distance between marks of thefirst and the third bursts as well as a mark center cross-track distancebetween marks of the second and the fourth bursts is one quarter of atrack pitch.
 8. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein saidtracking marks have an elongated shape in scanning direction.
 9. Thestorage device according to claim 1, wherein said operational data fieldcomprises timing marks for determining or adjusting the frequency or thephase of reading or writing or erasing pulses applied to probes in saidscanning mode.